Former NBA player Andrei Kirilenko coming back to Russia

Andrei Kirilenko, one of the NBA's Russian
basketball stars, is leaving the U.S. to return to Russia.

One of the most successful basketball
players of the last years, 34-year-old Kirilenko has signed a contract with
CSKA Moscow, the club's official website reports.

Kirilenko was contracted to play for the
Philadelphia Sixers, but had yet to make an appearance for the team. On Feb. 21
the Sixers canceled its contract with the Russian basketball player.

According to Kirilenko, he wants to end his
career at CSKA. "I'm happy to come back to my favorite team, which I
started my career with," he said. 'I understand that it's time to think
about finishing playing at a professional level and I think the best way is to
do this in the kit of my native club."

Kirilenko started his basketball career
before he had reached the age of 16 at Spartak St. Petersburg, but within a
year he had moved to the most successful Russian club, CSKA Moscow. In his two
years in the team, Kirilenko became champion of Russia twice.

In 2001 Kirilenko signed a contract with
Utah Jazz of the NBA. He spent 10 seasons at the club and got the nickname
"AK-47" from local fans. During his time with Utah Jazz he played for
the NBA All-Rookie Team in 2002, took part in the NBA All-Star Game in 2004 and
was voted best defensive player three times.